System Response to COVID-19 Survey

To assess water and wastewater system’s response and experiences related to the first 4 ½ months of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Rural Water Association of Utah reached out to all of Utah’s drinking water and wastewater systems. 203 systems responded to our survey during the period of July 14 through July 28, 2020. Systems could respond anonymously if they wished.

The lessons learned during this opening period of response will be important so that the water and wastewater sectors may identify what worked and what might need to be changed as the response continues. Lessons learned also need to be incorporated into planning for future emergencies. The information will hopefully also assist our partners in response – state and federal agencies – in knowing how they can help support and assist this service which is so essential to our communities.

Data time frame: 07/14-07/2

Number of Responses: 203

Count of Population Served

More than 10,000

0

Less than 500

0

500-10,000

0

Has your system had employees contract COVID-19?

Yes

5.4%

No

94.6%
How many employees contracted COVID-19?

of those that answered yes

Zero

9.1%

One

63.6%

Two

18.2%

Three

0%

Four

9.1%
Did the illness affect your operations?

of those that answered yes

Yes

0

Systems

No

0

Systems


Has your system experienced supply chain problems?

Yes

15%

No

85%
What items were you unable to access or secure?

Of those that answered yes. The answers below are a summary of the responses

  • Sanitary Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Paper Towels
  • Nitrile Gloves
  • Masks
  • Toilet Paper
  • Soap
  • Auto
  • Plumbing
  • Various Repair Parts

Are you requiring your staff to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Yes

54%

Yes

46%
What safety measures have you implemented?

Of those that answered yes. The answers below are a summary of the responses

  • Gloves
  • Face Masks
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Taking Classes Online
  • All that is required and available
  • Social Distancing
  • Safety Glasses
  • Separate Vehicles
  • Hardhats

Have you had adequate amounts of PPE?

Yes

91%

No

9%
What items have been in short supply?

Of those that answered no.

  • Gloves
  • Face Masks
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Face Shields

Has your system participated in the RWAU/FEMA free mask distribution?

Yes

33.5%

No

66.5%

Has your system relaxed past due or shut off policies?

Yes

33.5%

No

40%

Have you seen a reduction in Revenue?

Yes

0

Systems

No

0

Systems

In what amounts have you seen a reduction in revenue?

Of those that answered yes. The answers below are a summary of the responses

  • $200,000
  • $5,000
  • Small amounts/percentages
  • Late Bills
  • 40% Loss in Revenue
  • 5-10% Reduction in Revenue

What changes has your system experienced in water demand?

Increase in Demand

28%

Decrease in Demand

6%

No Change

66%

Has your system limited public access to buildings and offices?

Yes

71.4%

No

28.6%

Have you made any permanent changes to your operations procedures based on what you have learned?

Yes

21%

No

79%
What changes have you made?
Of those that answered yes. The answers below are a summary of the responses
  • Some meetings held online.
  • Wider implementation of technology such as smartphones.
  • Decrease in public meetings with customers.
  • Heavy use of E-mail and telephone communication.
  • Frequent hand washing
  • All employees and public must have their temperature taken prior to entry.
  • Remote meetings.
  • Some work from home.
  • Staggering start times.
  • Seperating staff into groups to prevent everyone from getting sick.
  • Increased sanitation of public areas.
  • Plexiglass at front counters.
  • Social Distancing.
  • Working with one customer at a time.
  • PTO for those sick and verified by a doctor
  • Mask Requirement